April 20, 2025 — Brian Windhorst, ESPN
Ty Jerome delivered a playoff breakout on Sunday night, scoring 28 points off the bench to lead the Cleveland Cavaliers to a dominant 121-100 win over the Miami Heat in Game 1 of their first-round series.
Ty Jerome Sparks Cavaliers in Win Over Heat
Jerome played just 26 minutes but made a massive impact. He finished 5-of-8 from three-point range and either scored or assisted on 24 consecutive Cavaliers points in the fourth quarter.
“It’s definitely special after last year, not being able to play the whole year,” Jerome said postgame.
Jerome repeatedly attacked Miami guard Tyler Herro, scoring in isolation and igniting Cleveland’s offense during a critical stretch.
Cavaliers Guards Outplay Heat Backcourt
Donovan Mitchell scored 30 points, shooting an efficient 9-of-10 on two-pointers.
Darius Garland added 27 points with five three-pointers and five assists.
Together with Jerome, the trio became just the fourth group of guards in NBA playoff history to each score 25 or more points in a single game.
“You have to pick your poison,” Mitchell said about Cleveland’s offensive depth.
Heat Struggle to Keep Pace with Cavaliers
Tyler Herro, who led Miami through the play-in tournament, scored 21 points but struggled in the second half, managing just four points after halftime.
Bam Adebayo led Miami with 24 points and nine rebounds, but the Heat’s perimeter defense faltered against Cleveland’s aggressive pace and shot-making.
Herro, after back-to-back standout games, was smothered by Cleveland’s defensive adjustments in the second half.
What’s Next for Cavaliers vs Heat Series
Game 2 is scheduled for Tuesday night in Cleveland, with the Cavaliers leading the series 1-0.
“Slow down, buddy,” Darius Garland joked to Ty Jerome about his rise — but after Sunday’s performance, the Cavaliers are embracing their newest playoff weapon.
